Why Sonny Styles Makes Sense for the Saints at No. 8-Regardless of Position
When it comes to the NFL Draft, there’s a well-worn blueprint teams tend to follow-especially when picking in the top 10. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, offensive tackles, edge rushers, and cornerbacks dominate those early selections.
They’re the so-called “premium positions,” the ones that move the needle in today’s pass-heavy league. But every now and then, a player comes along who’s so uniquely talented, so complete, that he forces teams to rethink the conventional wisdom.
That’s exactly what Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles is doing heading into this year’s draft.
The New Orleans Saints hold the No. 8 pick, and while selecting a linebacker that high might raise some eyebrows, it shouldn’t-at least not in Styles’ case. He’s not just a linebacker. He’s one of the best overall players in the class, and passing on him solely because of his position would be a mistake.
Let’s start with what Styles brings to the table. At 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, he’s built like a prototype NFL defender, but what sets him apart is how he moves.
A former safety, Styles has rare fluidity and range for someone his size. He’s one of the most athletic prospects in the country-regularly landing in the top 10 of Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks List, which highlights the most physically gifted players in college football.
That athleticism shows up on tape in a big way.
Styles is a true three-down defender. He can cover tight ends and running backs in space, shoot gaps in the run game, and even bring pressure off the edge when asked.
His versatility is a defensive coordinator’s dream. And when it comes to tackling, he’s about as reliable as it gets.
In the entire 2025 season, he missed just two tackles-and both came in Ohio State’s playoff loss to Miami. That kind of consistency is gold at the next level, especially for a Saints defense that’s struggled at times to finish plays.
Now, let’s talk fit. The Saints may not have linebacker circled as their top need on paper, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a pressing concern.
Demario Davis has been the heart and soul of that defense for years, but his future is uncertain. He was notably noncommittal about his plans during a recent appearance on the Up & Adams show, and at 35 years old, the end of the road could be near.
Finding his successor isn’t just smart-it’s necessary.
Styles could step in and contribute immediately. He has the football IQ, the physical traits, and the all-around skill set to anchor the middle of a defense from Day 1.
He wouldn’t just fill a hole-he’d elevate the unit. His ability to read plays, shed blocks, and close in space would instantly improve the Saints’ run defense, while his coverage chops would give them more flexibility against modern offenses.
Yes, the Saints could look to add another wide receiver or even an offensive tackle at No. 8.
And sure, those are safer picks from a positional value standpoint. But Styles offers something more than just positional value-he offers impact.
He’s the kind of player who can change the identity of a defense, much like Fred Warner has done in San Francisco or Roquan Smith in Baltimore.
The truth is, sometimes the best move in the draft is to take the best player available, even if it doesn’t align perfectly with conventional thinking. The Saints have a chance to do just that with Sonny Styles.
If he’s still on the board when they’re on the clock, they’d be wise to forget the positional labels and focus on the player. Because Styles isn’t just a linebacker-he’s a difference-maker.